10.28.2011

Welcome to the 4th Coffee Klatch Friday!
Pour a cup of coffee ( or the drink you prefer), pull up a chair, sit ... relax ... visit ... enjoy! You are with your friends.

Today we are sharing 10 things that we have done.

1. I have been "Cruising"

Meaning that I have been on a Cruise ... actually 3. My first Cruise was a present for my 50th birthday. I went to Cozumel, Mexico with my oldest daughter and some of her friends.

My second cruise was with hubby for our 30th Anniversary. My 3rd cruise was with my daughter and grandchildren for Spring Break.

I think that going on a Cruise is an economical way to take a vacation to a place and to participate in some activities that you may otherwise not get the chance to do.

2. I have kissed a Stingray.

It is said ... If you kiss a Stingray, you will have good luck for 1 year.

3. I have attempted underwater photography.

You may remember from my list of things I have not done that I never learned to swim. But that doesn't stop me from sitting in 4 feet of water or throwing on a life jacket and grabbing a camera to attempt new things.

4. I have been to The Mall of America.

The Mall of America is in Bloomington, Minnesota. It is the home of over 520 retail stores. Yes, we do some shopping while we are there, but we always spend much more time in the Amusement Park in the center of the Mall.

5. I have "observed" a marathon.

The Chicago Marathon.

2 of my children have participated in the Chicago Marathon ... twice.

6. I have made a cheesecake from scratch.

I have no picture. It was almost 12 years ago. It was time consuming and I'd like to try it again ... I just can't find the time to try again.

7. I have been to The Statue of Liberty.

My sister, 3 brothers, and I took a "siblings trip" to New York in May.

Where is the 3rd brother ... he's taking the picture.

8. I have been "river tubing".

For the past 2 summers, this is how my family enjoys those HOT summer days.

9. I have been to Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, Fl.

It is suppose to be the largest butterfly habitat in the U.S.

10. I have survived Cancer.

In 1993 I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. I was 36 years old.

I had surgery to remove 24 inches of my colon and had to do a year of treatment.

The reason behind doing many of these things is because I survived cancer. I learned that making

memories and spending time, taking pictures and enjoying the one's you love are what will last. I have

been blessed to have the opportunity to do these things. No one knows what tomorrow will hold ... so make the most of today.

My Recipe

As the weather gets colder, I revert back to foods that are simple and make me feel cozy.

Chicken & Noodles

I brown boneless chicken breast {using a non stick spray like PAM) in a pot. How many? At least a couple, depending on how much I want to make. I brown both side to a lovely shade of caramel brown. This will also give you some caramelization ( this adds flavor) in your pot. Once the sides are browned, I add just enough water to cover the breasts and let them simmer for about 15 minutes. I remove them from the pot, letting them cool slightly, and shred them. Back in the pot they go with a can or 2 of chicken broth. I salt and pepper the ingredients and then add about 3/4 of a bag of egg noodles. Stir, stir, and stir. The noodles will absorb most of the liquid, so you may have to add more water, but not a lot. It's ready when the noodles are tender. Sometimes I will add some diced carrot or celery when I am simmering the breasts to add more flavor... just depends on what I have on hand and how soon I want to eat.

10.20.2011

I have been encouraged by those who have posted. It's
always hard to start something new, especially at my age (50 something) and
after the first week it would have been easy to slate this Meme as a failure.
Thank you Chris, for keeping after me to post. I am not sure how long this will
last, but I am sure I will make new friends.

~The Goal
~ To have a community of bloggers that are friends,

that
can come together once a week with ideas and

support for one another. We all
blog for different

reasons. For some, it is to be heard, for some it is to

share, and for some it may be acknowledgement.

After all, many blogs are just
your thoughts, feelings,

and experiences ... that you share ... and here it is

easier.

This
week's. . . I
want to sayquestions. . . but they are really more like
statements.

Please list 10 random things that you have

never
done.

1. Eaten Blueberry Pie~ My favorite pie is Raspberry. I enjoy Blueberry Muffins and pancakes, but for some reason Blueberry Pie looks, at least to me that it would be too sweet.~

2. Been to Canada~ I love to travel and some day my get to Canada. Hubby has been there several times.~

3. Worn a Wedding Dress~ Hubby and I eloped almost 33 years ago, and even though I did wear a dress... it wasn't a Wedding Dress or anything formal.~

4. Sang Karaoke~ I have gone to karaoke (cruise ship) , but I'm more of an observer ... not participant.~

5. Been skiing (snow or water)~ The rest of my family snow ski and go a couple times a year. Hubby and 1 daughter have watered skied , not sure my knees would hold out. ~

6. Eaten Sushi~YUCK!~

7. Gone sky diving~ 2 of my children have gone sky diving and the 3 would love to try. I possibly could do this, but have never given it much thought.~

8. Gotten a tattoo~ 2 of my children have tattoo's and where we live it is a very popular thing to do. I would say that 60% of the women I work with have them ... just not for me~

9. Learned to swim~ I have taken swim lessons... I was probably about 7 years old, but ... I really can only dog paddle, so maybe I could save myself, but you would be out of luck. ~

10. Been to Alaska~ I have mixed feels about this ... I would love to see Alaska, but I really don't like cold weather ... I love HOT weather. Yes, I know I live where cold weather is part of the norm, but I am content to stay insides for weeks at a time when we have that weather.~

SUBJECT:Please share with us something that you do to prepare for this changing weather.

One of the things we have to do to prepare for the changing season is massive yard work. With almost 30 broad leaf trees and almost the same number of pine trees, our yard gets pretty messy when all those leaves start falling. Unfortunately, falling leaves can go on for weeks. That means the clean up goes on for weeks too. Leaves are raked, mowed, and burned ... yes ... we can do that out in the country, but that is left for a last resort. Leaves are also mulched to cover flower beds. Apples from our trees that are not usable or have fallen on the ground are gathered and piled on the edge of the wooded lot next door for the wildlife that gather there.

We have been able to mow and mulch the leaves in our front yard once so far. Hopefully, we will get the backyard done this Saturday. Rainy and windy weather have hampered our yard work, but ... it's not really going anywhere anytime soon.

Your turn!.

Please link up and remember to include the COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY button in your post.

10.16.2011

I have been encouraged by those who have posted. It's always hard to start something new, especially at my age (50 something) and after the first week it would have been easy to slate this Meme as a failure. Thank you Chris, for keeping after me to post. I am not sure how long this will last, but I am sure I will make new friends.

~The Goal ~ To have a community of bloggers that are friends, that can come together once a week with ideas and support for one another. We all blog for different reasons. For some, it is to be heard, for some it is to share, and for some it may be acknowledgement. After all, many blogs are just your thoughts, feelings, and experiences ... that you share ... and here it is easier.

This week's . . . I want to say questions . . . but they are really more like statements.

Please list 10 random things that you have never done.

They don't have to be things that you would like to do. Just, maybe things that you know of others doing that you have not. You can elaborate as much or as little as you want.

Subject

No matter where you live, the weather is changing.

Please share with us something that you do to prepare for this changing weather.

Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!Questions:

1. The thing that scares me the most is __________?

Being a Christian and believing that God is truly in control of my life and the lives of my family members ... at this point in time I have nothing to fear. I have been close to death and have survived, but only because God has more for me to do.2. Do you like nuts in your Chocolate Chip cookies?No nuts for me.

3. If you couldn't change the channel, what tv show would drive you from the room?

The Office

4. Pulp or no pulp in your Orange Juice?

5. Who do you miss the most?My parents. This was taken 6 months before my Mother passed away. My Dad passed away 4 years later.

To see more Meet Me On Monday posts click on the Meet Me On Monday button at the begining of this post.

10.14.2011

~The Goal ~ To have a community of bloggers that are friends, that can come together once a week with ideas and support for one another. We all blog for different reasons. For some, it is to be heard, for some it is to share, and for some it may be acknowledgement. After all, many blogs are just your thoughts, feelings, and experiences ... that you share ... and here it is easier.

This weeks Question(s) :

What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you that now? What is 1 thing you LOVE about what you do , or who you are?

This week's subject:

Please share a photo or 2 of what your area of the world looks like.

1.What did you want to be when you grew up?

First, let me say that when I was growing up girls (women) were not given or told about all the opportunities that were available to them. I grew up in the 60's and 70's. The popular role models that we had were Teachers, Nurses, Mothers, and Musicians. I don't remember any one of my friend's saying that they wanted to be a Police Officer, Air plane Pilot, Scientist, or Fire Fighter ... those were what boys were encouraged to be. So, of course, I wanted to be a Teacher . . . a Special Ed Teacher. I did start my education in Early Child Development, but life happened and I started a family and didn't finish all the requirements that were needed.

2.Are you that now?What is 1 thing you LOVE about what you do , or who you are?

What am I? A Photographer. I am the person who goes to your child's school and takes their picture for the class picture or Year Book. I love that I still get to work with children. I love that I get to see their energy and inquisitiveness. Many ask questions about my equipment, what something is, how it works. And of, course, I LOVE that I get to see those great smiles! OK, so I have more than 1 thing I love about my job . . . don't you?

Here it is Friday morning. I am getting ready to post the Coffee Klatch Friday meme that should have been posted last night. I had my night all planned out. I would order pizza. I would watch " Person of Interest" and then be on the computer for awhile. . .THEN . . .
My oldest Daughter called. " I am at the hockey rink. I have been sitting in the car for about 45 minutes, listening to music and reading. My car won't start." ( Really??? I wonder why?) " Can you come and give me a jump?" Sure . . . isn't that what a Mom is for.

First I have to clean out my car. Luckily, I had no photo equipment to clear out, but I did have extra supplies and fans. Then a half hour drive to the hockey rink. My Daughter, 2 Grandchildren and their Chocolate Lab are all waiting for me. We take the kids and dog home, go to the auto parts store ( of course she has no jumper cables) and the proceed back to the car to jump the battery.

Has either one of us ever done this?? NO! Daughter gets on her phone and calls a friend who is out of town to get advice. I approach the first guy who comes out the hockey rink and ask for help. He shows us what to do, hangs around to make sure everything is ok and gives some advice about how long the car should be kept running, etc.

As, you may know, my youngest moved out about 2 weeks ago. We have seen her a few times and each time she says " Do you miss us ( her and her dog) yet Mom?" With work, being sick, getting phone calls to run here and there . . . Do I have time to miss anyone?NOW . . .
to "COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY"

10.06.2011

To have a community of bloggers that are friends, that can come together once a week with ideas and support for one another. We all blog for different reasons. For some, it is to be heard, for some it is to share, and for some it may be acknowledgement. After all, many blogs are just your thoughts, feelings, and experiences ... that you share ... and here it is easier.

~The Format~

Each Sunday night I will post a couple of "get to know you" questions. After all, we look forward to having coffee with our best friends more than anyone else.

I will also post a subject for that week, which could take any form. It could be a recipe, a craft, a tradition, a photograph ( I am a photographer), or just your thoughts on a subject. The reason to post on Sunday. I want to give you time to think about what you want to share. Many times I want to post on a meme and don't really have the time to say what I want ... the result... I don't post.

So, please join me!

This weeks questions:

(The first is not really a question, but a request)

Please tells us a little about your self ~ where you live, about your family, about your job, what you enjoying doing ... share what your best friend might know about you.

THEN

1. What is one thing you enjoy about where you live?

2. What is one thing that you don't enjoy about where you live?

This week's subject:

Please share a recipe that you would bring to a COFFEE KLATCH at a friend's house.

Please remember to grab the COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY button!

If you don't already know, My name is Vicki. I live in the Northern , Mid-Western part of the U.S., also known as the Great Lakes Region. I live between a medium size city and a medium size town ... kind of out in the country. I have lived here for 7 years. Before that I live outside a Major city in an area 125 miles south of where I live now.

My husband and I met when we were Senior's in high school. We have been married for 33 years and have 3 grown children. Our youngest, who will be 20 next month , moved into her own duplex (renting with friends) last week-end. So, I guess that means we are "empty nester's" now, The only one left at home is our 13 year old Rottweiler/ German Shepard, Tillie.

I have worked for a Nationally known Photography Company or over 4 years. I am a School Photographer. Besides photography, I enjoy, cooking, traveling and life!

1. What is one thing you enjoy about where you live?

I love all the wildlife that we see on a daily basis. We have Deer and Wild Turkey going through our yard daily. On occasion, we see Red Fox , Coyotes, Eagles, Owls, and Hawks. Of course we have plenty of squirrels, rabbits, and birds.

2. What is one thing that you don't enjoy about where you live?

We live in a small community. I miss the variety of shopping and restaurants that we had when we live in a larger community. Here, if something you want goes on sale, you better get to the store and get it ... cuz it won't be there for long.

RECIPE:

HASH BROWN CHEESY POTATOES

1- LG. BAG FROZEN HASH BROWNS

1/4 C. DICED ONION

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

2 tsp garlic powder

2- 8oz. cans of Cream of Chicken soup

1- 16 oz. tub Sour Cream

1 stick of butter (8 TBS), melted

4 C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Mix the first 8 ingredients together in a bowl.

Add 2 c. of Shredded Cheese, mix well.

Spoon into a well greased baking dish.

Top with remaining cheese and bake at 350 until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 40 minutes.

10.02.2011

Are you ready?? Have you spread the news to your friend's? I sure hope so!

WELCOME to the 1st COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY!

~The Goal ~

To have a community of bloggers that are friends, that can come together once a week with ideas and support for one another. We all blog for different reasons. For some, it is to be heard, for some it is to share, and for some it may be acknowledgement. After all, many blogs are just your thoughts, feelings, and experiences ... that you share ... and here it is easier.

~The Format~

Each Sunday night I will post a couple of "get to know you" questions. After all, we look forward to having coffee with our best friends more than anyone else.

I will also post a subject for that week, which could take any form. It could be a recipe, a craft, a tradition, a photograph ( I am a photographer), or just your thoughts on a subject. The reason to post on Sunday. I want to give you time to think about what you want to share. Many times I want to post on a meme and don't really have the time to say what I want ... the result... I don't post.

So, please join me!

This weeks questions:

(The first is not really a question, but a request)

Please tells us a little about your self ~ where you live, about your family, about your job, what you enjoying doing ... share what your best friend might know about you.

THEN

1. What is one thing you enjoy about where you live?

2. What is one thing that you don't enjoy about where you live?

This week's subject:

Please share a recipe that you would bring to a COFFEE KLATCH at a friend's house.

10.01.2011

This Friday I will be posting a new meme. To link up to my page I am asking that you grab the COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY button on my side bar. To do this all you have to do is highlight and copy the code in the box under the button.
Start in the upper left hand corner of the box, left click on your mouse, and drag your cursor over the code. It should turn blue. Then press the CTRL and C keys on your keyboard at the same time. Go to your post and change the format from Compose to Edit HTML, just above this box, upper right hand corner. At the end of everything that is written there, right click and paste. Click back to Compose and the button should be at the end of your post. Click on it to make sure that it brings you to COFFEE KLATCH FRIDAY.

About Me

LIFE IS SHORT!
Yup, that's what they say.
LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE!
Make the most of it and ENJOY!
LIFE IS NOT ALL IT'S CRACKED UP TO BE!
Sometimes there are so many bumps and turns, you don't know where you are heading!
MAKE THE BEST OF WHAT YOU HAVE!
No one is promised tomorrow.